Florida homeowners know how crucial it is to have a reliable air conditioner year-round. When the air outside is hot and humid, and highs can break 100 degrees, you need an AC up to the challenge.

Your HVAC has to work harder to keep you cool in extreme temperatures, which is why they’re more prone to failure when it’s least convenient, leaving you scrambling to get 24/7 emergency air conditioning repairs.

In this blog, the heating and cooling experts at United Air Temp cover some of the most common reasons why air conditioners break down and offer helpful solutions.

1. Leaking Refrigerant

Most air conditioners contain toxic refrigerants that they use to cool your home — these refrigerants are completely safe inside your unit, but leaks can happen. Refrigerant leaks can affect your unit’s performance, lead to long-term equipment damage, and even harm the environment if left unchecked.

If you suspect a leak, don’t try to fix it on your own. The safest and most effective solution is to call an HVAC company to locate the source of the leak and repair your AC.

2. Frozen Evaporator Coils

Have you noticed frost or ice built up on your AC unit’s evaporator coils? This is a telltale sign that your AC isn’t circulating air properly.

Changing your air filter can help, but your unit could also be low on refrigerant. When you call a professional for repair, they can diagnose the cause of the freeze-up.

3. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

Tripped circuit breakers can be an easy fix, but if they happen frequently, it might be a sign of a bigger issue. A blown fuse or overheated system requires the attention of a professional.

A trained technician can inspect the unit to diagnose and repair any AC issues causing the breaker to trip and fix any damage due to frequently tripped breakers.

4. Bad Capacitors & Contactors

When you turn your AC on, the electricity flows through its capacitors and contactors. During this process, your unit can get hot, and an overheated capacitor or contractor can lead to AC failure.

You’ll need AC repair to fix the issue and get your air conditioner back up and running again.

5. Compressor Failure

Compressor failure is one of the most common reasons behind AC breakdowns. An air conditioner’s compressor is like an engine. The longer and more often you run your AC — and in Florida, you likely run it all year long — the more wear and tear your compressor takes on over time.

Generally, if your unit is no longer under warranty and you need a new compressor, it might be more cost-efficient for you to replace your AC entirely.

6. Faulty Fan Motor

While most newer AC units are built with resilient fan motors, it’s common for motors to fail during operation. This is especially true if you have an older AC unit in your home. This issue is easily spotted if your unit makes loud noises or emits a burning smell during operation.

Running your air conditioner with a faulty fan motor can drive up your energy bills and cause the unit to overheat, so hiring a professional for AC repair as soon as possible is important.

7. Thermostat Malfunction

If you feel like your AC isn’t cooling your home properly but don’t notice any obvious issues with the unit, it might be an issue with your thermostat.

Miscalibration or a disconnect between your thermostat and air conditioner means your AC doesn’t know when to turn on or off or what temperature it should reach.

The good news is that, in most cases, thermostat repairs are simple and affordable. You could also consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for enhanced comfort control and energy efficiency.

8. Infrequent Maintenance

Scheduling routine HVAC maintenance is the best way to avoid any of these issues and others, like clogged condensate drains and dirty condenser coils. Routine tune-ups typically involve inspecting, cleaning, and testing key components.

If your HVAC technician finds any issues, they can proactively fix them to protect your unit from AC failure.

If you’re in the Orlando area, United Air Temp offers a service plan called the Full Service Agreement to make staying on top of HVAC maintenance a breeze.

Book AC Services for Your Orlando Home

United Air Temp is a leading HVAC company serving Orlando homeowners with expert service. With emergency repair availability and on-time scheduling, we’re here for you when you need us most.

We offer upfront pricing, quality craftsmanship, and a written report of the work performed so you can have peace of mind when you choose our team.

Ensure your air conditioner is prepared to take on Orlando’s summer heat — call United Air Temp at (407) 554-9293 to schedule the AC maintenance, repair, or replacement.